Pin A whimsical and healthy party platter featuring broccoli florets arranged as a festive tree, adorned with vibrant cherry tomato ornaments. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a fun snack for kids.
This platter always brings smiles at our family parties and is a big hit with the little ones.
Ingredients
- 2 large heads broccoli: cut into bite-sized florets
- 18–20 cherry tomatoes
- 1 yellow bell pepper: sliced into thin strips (for garland and star)
- 1 medium carrot: sliced into rounds (for tree trunk and decoration)
- 1 celery stalk: cut into 2-inch sticks (optional, for base or accents)
- 1 cup hummus or ranch dip: optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables.
- Step 2:
- On a large platter or board, arrange the broccoli florets in the shape of a triangle to form the tree.
- Step 3:
- Place cherry tomatoes evenly over the broccoli to mimic ornaments.
- Step 4:
- Use yellow bell pepper strips as garlands draped across the tree.
- Step 5:
- Cut a star shape from a bell pepper slice and place it at the top of the tree.
- Step 6:
- Arrange carrot rounds at the base as the tree trunk and scatter a few for extra decoration.
- Step 7:
- Optionally, use celery sticks to frame the base or add greenery.
- Step 8:
- Serve with hummus or ranch dip on the side.
Pin Creating this tree together became a cherished family tradition that sparks creativity and healthy eating.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, sharp knife, and a small cookie cutter for making the star shape (optional).
Allergen Information
Basic recipe contains no common allergens; check dip labels for dairy, soy, or sesame if serving with dip.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (without dip): 45 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Pin This festive snack combines nutrition with fun presentation to delight guests of all ages.
Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables are used in this dish?
Broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, carrot rounds, and optionally celery sticks are the main vegetables featured.
- → How do you assemble the broccoli tree?
Arrange broccoli florets in a triangular shape on a platter, then decorate with cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips as garlands, and carrot rounds at the base.
- → Can the broccoli be cooked before assembly?
Lightly steaming the broccoli for 1–2 minutes and chilling before assembling can enhance flavor and texture, but it's not necessary.
- → What can be used to top the tree?
A star cut from a yellow bell pepper slice is placed on top to complete the festive look.
- → Are dips recommended to serve alongside?
Optional dips like hummus or ranch complement the vegetables well, offering additional flavor options.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free by nature; choosing plant-based dips can make it vegan-friendly.